Fun With your Dog at Tahoe

The following outlines nearby places on Tahoe’s West Shore to enjoy with your four-footed friend. 

Swimming and Beaches

Chamber’s Landing:  Officially dogs are not allowed, however, after 6:00 pm it is OK to take your dog to the beach.

Blackwood Canyon:  From Tahoma Meadows, drive 4 miles north on Hwy. 89.  You can park on the beach side to swim in the lake or drive up Blackwood Canyon Road to swim and hike around the creek. 

Hurricane Bay:  From Tahoma Meadows, drive 5 miles north on Hwy. 89 till you see the 50 foot “designated dog beach” on the right hand side.  It is across the highway from the Hurricane Bay Estates development.

Kiva Beach:  From Tahoma Meadows, drive 15 miles south on Hwy. 89 and you will see Kiva Beach to your left at the Tallac Historical Site just north of Camp Richardson.

Hiking

Tahoma Neighborhood:  Your room key opens the lock to the back gate, the lock may be sticky, keep trying.  You can walk your dog in the neighborhood behind us.  Be aware there are a lot of dogs in the neighborhood that may not be on leash.  This area is very convenient for a short walk.

Meeks Bay:  Doggies love this hike!  Drive south for 2.5 miles on Hwy. 89.  200 yards past the Meeks Bay Resort you can park at the old log building on the right and make your way on the dirt path.  Please do not block the driveway.  If you are planning a longer hike into the wilderness, please fill out a day permit.  Wonderful winter and summer!

Grand Avenue:  1.75 miles each way, easy.  You will find Grand Ave. 3.5 miles north of the B&B, just north of Fleur du Lac Estates.  Turn away from the lake onto Grand Ave. and park at the end of the street.  Follow the old road/trail past the gate.  The trail will meander for almost 2 miles until you intersect the Barker Pass Road.  Look for wildflowers in June and July.

Eagle Rock:  1.5 miles round trip, easy.  From Tahoma Meadows, drive about 3.5 miles north on Hwy. 89 and turn left on Blackwood Canyon Road.  There are 2 different trails to the top; you will find the easiest route about 200 yards north of the parking area at the split rail fence.  The other parallels the creek and then splits off following the power lines north.  Do not take the trail that is right next to the rock!  It is very dangerous with slippery and loose rock.  This is a great hike for late afternoon, be prepared for spectacular views!

Crag Lake-Tahoe Yosemite Trail:  10 miles round trip, moderate.  The Tahoe-Yosemite trail starts at the Meeks Bay trailhead.  This trail takes you into Desolation Wilderness, with a variety of wildflowers in spring and summer.  A wilderness permit is required for this hike.  Begin your hike down the gated dirt road and veer right at the Tahoe-Yosemite trail sign.  You will pass Lake Genevieve; Crag Lake is just 10 minutes farther.  If you continue down the trail you will find the following lakes: Hidden, Shadow, Stony Ridge, Rubicon, Grouse, and Phipps.

Eagle Falls Trail:  3 miles round trip, moderate.  From the B&B, drive 10 miles south on Hwy. 89 to the back of Emerald Bay.  Turn right at the Eagle Falls parking area.  A wilderness permit is required for this hike.  Begin your hike at the Eagle Falls Trailhead.  You will follow a creek and pass a breathtaking waterfall, as you approach Eagle Lake which is surrounded by gigantic granite cliffs.

Cascade Falls Trail:  2 miles round trip, easy.  The trail head is at the back of the Bay View Campground on the south side of Emerald Bay.  Park and follow the Bay View Trail and veer right at the Cascade Falls Trail.  This will take you to the falls overlooking Cascade Lake.  Be careful, the rocks can be slippery.  Follow the creek upstream and enjoy the large granite boulders and water hole.  No wilderness permit required.

Granite Lake Trail:  2.5 miles round trip, moderate.  The trail head is at the back of the Bay View Camp ground on the south side of Emerald Bay.  Park and follow the Bay View Trail and veer right at the Cascade Falls Trail.  At the next junction, go left to Granite Lake.  Hike up this steep trail with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.  This lake is a great spot for swimming and fishing.  A wilderness permit is required for this hike.  You can also follow this trail to the top of Maggie’s Peak. 

Velma Lakes Trail:  11 miles round trip, moderate.  A wilderness permit is required for this hike in Desolation Wilderness.  Use the Eagle Lake trail head for this hike, approximately 10 miles south to the back of Emerald Bay.  Make a right at the Eagle Falls trailhead parking lot.  Start on the Eagle Falls Trail and veer left at the Velma Lakes Trail sign.  You will pass beautiful Eagle Lake on your way to Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lakes.  This is a great spot for swimming and camping.

Ellis Peak Trail:  5 miles round trip, moderate.  From the B&B, drive 4 miles north on Hwy. 89 and turn left on Barker Pass Rd.  Follow Barker Pass Rd. all the way to the top of the pass, approximately 7 miles.  The trail starts right where the pavement ends.  You will hike through forest and meadows, and along the way see beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.  When the trail splits, go left to Ellis Lake or right to Ellis Peak. 

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Meeks Bay: This is the start of the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail.   The trailhead is 2 miles south of the B&B, just past Meeks Bay Resort.   Look for a dirt parking area on the right side of the road.  Be sure you are all the way off the road to avoid being sited.   This trail stays in the meadow for 1.1 miles and then continues on into Desolation Wilderness.    If you are going on into the wilderness be sure to fill out a day permit at the trailhead.  You will often find the main trail is to “booted out” for skiing.  If you want smoother ski conditions head out into the middle of the meadow. 

Page Meadows:  Just north of Sunnyside, turn left on Pine St. and veer right on Tahoe Park Heights Dr.  Continue up the steep hill (you may need 4WD or chains if the road is snowy) and turn right on Big Pine Dr.  Make your first left on Silver Tip Dr.  Go to the end of the paved road and park.  The trail starts at the end of Silver Tip Dr.  This unmarked trail for intermediates will take you and your dog to a big open meadow.

Blackwood Canyon:  From the B&B, drive 4 miles north to the parking area on the right.  A snow-park permit is required to park here.  This road is gated off in winter.  The first 2.5 miles are flat, a great spot for beginners.  For more of a challenge, the trail continues another 7 miles and gets steeper and more difficult.

Please do not use these directions for navigation.  All distances are approximate.  Know how to read a topo map and use a compass before venturing off into the wilderness.  Be sure to take maps, extra clothing, food, water, and a lot of common sense before going into unfamiliar areas.  Be sure to let someone know where you are going and what time you plan to return.

Where ever you go, we ask that you please respect all wildlife; plants, birds, and animals.  If you encounter a bear yell and make noise, never feed the bears.  Here in Tahoe, a fed bear is a dead bear.  Bear’s that become too accustomed to people are shot and killed, not relocated.  Please do not allow your dog to harass any wild animals.

Please pick up after yourself, your pets, and others who were careless, in order to protect the pristine lake and forest we call home.  If you smoke, never throw a cigarette butt out of your car window or on the ground as you walk.  Fire danger is a real danger and there is only one road in and out of Tahoe. 

Once again, please remember to always pick up after your dog.    DW - 1/31/2006